Mac/OS

The Mac/OS is the operating system of the Macintosh line of personal computers. The Mac was released by Apple in 1984, and it was a trailblazer for personal computers. Its use of a GUI, or graphical user interface, built-in local area networks, and plug and play peripherals made the Mac easier for non experts to use than its principal rival, the IBM PC. Apple's decision not to license Mac's technology to other companies, led software manufacturers to develop software with Mac-like features for other platforms.

URLS:

alt.sys.mac.newuser-help

Some USENET newsgroups are not friendly to new users, but this one, as the name announces, was established to help Mac users who are new to the Internet.

Mac OS &Apple System Software Technologies

For the latest in Mac documentation, or software, and an explanation of what a new operating system can do for your Mac, go to the folks at Apple.

The Well Connected Mac

Book reviews, a calendar of Macintosh Trade Shows, .mac USENET newsgroups, software reviews-all this and more is found on the Well Connected Mac site.

W3E References:

OS (Operating System)

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

Windows

Print References:

• Insanely Great, the life and times of the Macintosh. Steven Levy. Viking Press. New York, N.Y. 1995. (ISBN 0-670-85244-9)

Detail:

Before graphical user interfaces, one typed arcane commands and looked at rows of file names on a screen, instead of looking on a computer "desktop" for a file folder or an icon. It is easy to forget how radically different the Macintosh was from the ordinary personal computer in 1984. Macintosh adherents are apt to slam Windows 95 as a belated copy of the Mac, 1984.